Powerful new world
If you don't mind a bumpy ride, the power industry is an interesting place to be right now. Issues are flying thick and fast as designers and manufacturers are confronted with challenges and opportunities from green manufacturing to the push for power and signal integration.
Power management will inevitably go digital
Digital power is one of those issues that can be seen as both a challenge and an opportunity. When we use the term “digital power” we mean digital power management�the ability to use a digital signal bus to perform two-way power command and monitoring down to the point-of-load converter.
That power management will go digital is inevitable. Any modern system larger than a broom closet must integrate automation to realize productivity gains, and digital power offers the ultimate level of control.
Once digital power management is integrated into all levels of a system, real gains in efficiency, damage control, maintenance, and security can be achieved. The key is to ensure that the digital systems created for each link in the power chain are able to communicate with one another.
From mixed-signal power management ICs with integrated DSPs to POL converters with on-board logic, a stream of new products is becoming available to create completely digital power systems. In addition, communications protocol standards are being developed to enable seamless systems integration.
Electronic Products will have a digital technology focus in the November issue, and in addition to a product roundup of new digital power devices we will have an article examining the issue of digital power in more detail. If you have a question, comment, or idea on or about the topic of digital power, drop us a line before the end of the month and we'll review your comments for possible use.
Alix L. Paultre
Executive Editor, Special Projects
apaultre@hearst.com
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